Summer 2016 Assemblymember Jaime Williams News from the 59th District

FIRST STEPS WITH AD 59 I was officially sworn in as a newly-elected Member of the Assembly and proudly cast my first vote on PASSING LEGISLATION the Assembly floor – voting in favor of a legislative package that will strengthen protections for domes- FOR PRESERVATION tic violence survivors. My first piece of legislation to preserve the cru- “My constituents voted me into office with the con- cial resource of New York State’s Bluefish has fidence that I would do everything in my power to been approved by the Assembly. Co-sponsored protect them and advocate on their behalf. With my by Assemblyman Steven Englebright, this bill ‘aye’ votes today, I have taken the first step in a long extends the Department of Environmental Con- journey to uphold their trust in me and truly be the servation’s (“DEC”) regulatory authority for an best advocate I can be.” additional three years, and ensures that the DEC ~ Assemblymember Jaime Williams continues to be able to maintain compliance with the Fishery Management Plan. CELEBRATING NEW AUTHORS AT P.S. 203 Councilman Maisel who led the banning of “shark fin” commercial fishing in New York State joined me at P.S. 203 to speak to the young authors on their non-fiction featured stories, all of which discussed the important issues of banning the practice of shark fin commercial fishing.

Mrs. Wetzel & Mrs. Smith’s class with Councilman Alan Maisel at the P.S. 203 New Author’s Party.

DISTRICT OFFICE: 5318 Ave. N, , NY 11234 • Phone: 718-252-2124 • Fax: 718-252-2417 ALBANY OFFICE: Room 523 LOB, Albany, NY 12248 • Phone: 518-455-5211 • Fax: 518-455-5043 Email: [email protected] • Website: www.nyassembly.gov ASSEMBLYMEMBER JAIME WILLIAMS KNOW WHAT YOU’RE EATING I joined GMO Free NY at a press conference to address the importance of labeling Genetically Modified Organ- ism products (GMO Labeling). Bill A.617B, sponsored by Assemblywoman , expresses the need for labeling of GMO products. We all should have the opportunity to make an informed decision about what we eat.

GMO Free NY held a press conference in which the promotion and importance of labeling Genetically Modified Organism products was showcased.

KIDS ON THE MOVE The youth within our district have tak- en major strides to having a success- ful year. To further support our chil- dren, Councilman Alan Maisel and I spoke with local school liaisons on current summer reading material and increasing youth library membership in the face of increasing technology.

LAG B’OMER CELEBRATION I had the joy of taking part in the festivities of the Lag B’Omer celebration at both Chabad of Georgetown and Khal Bais Mordechai and met and greeted constituents at the bonfire celebrations occurring throughout my As- sembly District. Lag B’Omer marks the end of the restrictive pe- riod that began during Passover and is cele- brated across the world with dancing and singing around a bonfire, all of which the Councilman and the Assemblymem- ber joyously took part in.

WELCOME OUR NEW EAGLE SCOUTS I recently had the honor of being able to assist in the induction of four worthy young men in the local Boy Scout chapter. Resur- rection Church in Gerritsen Beach held the induction ceremony of promoting candidates to the prominent rank of Eagle Scout. Along with Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Father William With, ASM Henry Feeney, Committee Chair Mike Bianco and Scoutmaster Vincent Cirino, I helped swear in the Eagle Scouts. The coveted and honorable position vested upon these four worthy candidates is highly sought after and earned only with dedication and hard work. Other notable individuals honored with the rank of Eagle Scout include Neil Armstrong, Hon. Michael Bloomberg, and President Gerald Ford. ASSEMBLYMEMBER JAIME WILLIAMS

MILL ISLAND RETIREES I had the unique opportunity to speak with and honor some of our active adults. I was privileged to present some worthy active adults at the Mill Island Retirees annual luncheon with awards for their dedication and commitment to the 59th Assembly District. MEMORIAL DAY On Memorial Day, our nation spends time in remembrance of the people who lost their lives while serving our armed forc- es. I had the honor and privilege of honoring these great men and women at Gerritsen Beach along with my staff, Henderson Wint, Melba Brown, Senator , Bishop Nathan Williams, Henry Bolus, Rabbi Avrohm Hecht, Councilman Alan Maisel and Frank Seddio. We are forever grateful for the courage and service displayed on behalf of the United States.

GERRITSEN BEACH

FLAG OF FREEDOM The Haitian flag is a symbol of great pride for the country of Haiti. After years of being colo- nized by France, the flag’s colors signify a his- tory of seeking independence, freedom and a distinct cultural identity. On May 18th the pres- idents of the 69th Precinct Community Council, Senator Jesse Hamilton and I celebrated the rich culture and heritage behind the Haitian flag.

BAYVIEW FEEDING BROOKLYN Bayview Community Center is all about supporting those who are less fortunate in our area. During early May, I spent some time with volunteers at the Bayview Community Center to help organize a food pantry. Thank you to all of the volunteers who participated in making this day a success. JCC OF MARINE PARK STREET FAIR Along with Shea Rubenstein, President of the JCC of Marine Park, I took part in their Spring Street Fair meeting many residents of the Marine Park area. This lovely event helped further safety issues pertaining to the Spring and Summer seasons and traveling within our community.

CROSSING GUARD APPRECIATION I helped host and honor our local School Crossing Guards at the Legislative Breakfast on June 10. At this wonderful event I helped in honoring and awarding our School Crossing Guards who are there on a daily basis protecting and ensuring our chil- dren’s safety. These silent heroes are a front line of defense in making sure our children take part and enjoy their education.

ACTIVE ADULTS A cornerstone of the 59th Assembly District and its President Paul Cu- riale host seniors in the New York State Assembly Chamber during the annual Senior Day.

Millennium Development

Assemblymember Jaime Williams

Summer 2016

News from the 59th A.D.

It is election season once again. The primary election is September 13, 2016, and Election Day is November 8, 2016. For all constituents that will not be in the state or cannot make it to the polling loca- tions, the absentee ballot process exists. If you wish, you can find the application at http://www.elections. ny.gov/NYSBOE/download/voting/Absentee06152010.pdf. The application must either be personally de- livered to your county board of elections no later than the day before the election, or postmarked no later than 7 days before election day.